Method of improving absorption of vitamin e by a pet animal

ABSTRACT

A method of providing a pet with a benefit relating to effective assimilation of a lipid is described wherein the pet is administered, as a part of, or in addition to its regular diet, an edible composition that contains an ingredient that maintains, promotes or enhances the capacity of the pet to digest lipid efficiently. The invention extends to compositions for use in promoting lipid assimilation in pets, particularly senior or elderly pets. The compositions include pancreatic, liver and intestinal mucosa function-promoters. In embodiments, the liver function-promoter may be selected from taurine, emulsifiers, vitamins, minerals, glutathione and glutathione promoters.

FIELD OF INVENTION

This invention relates generally to methods of enhancing vitamin Eabsorption by pet animals. In particular, it relates to improvingabsorption of vitamin E in senior cats suffering the effects ofpathologies and/or aging. The invention extends to a food and/or foodsupplement product and to its use in improving vitamin E absorptionand/or assimilation in pet animals.

BACKGROUND TO THE INVENTION

Vitamin E is a fat-soluble vitamin that is absorbed only with long chainfatty acids. A defect in either the absorption or digestion of lipid cantherefore lead to deficiencies in this and other vitamins, due to theirbinding with unabsorbed fatty acids (Simpson, K W and Michel, K E.Micronutrient status in patients with gastrointestinal disease.Proceedings ACVIM, Denver, Colo., pp. 651-653, 2001). Hence, a pet withlow lipid digestibility is susceptible to several potential nutritionaldeficiencies, which can compromise its health.

Studies on senior cat nutrition have shown that a significant number ofolder pets—such as those above the age of 9 years—exhibit a decreasedcapacity to digest fat. Several scientific publications have likewisereported an age-related decrease in lipid digestibility in cats(Burkholder. W J. Age-related changes to nutritional requirements anddigestive function in adult dogs and cats. JAVMA, Vol 215, No. 5, Sep.1, 1999; Nicholson A, Watson A D J. Mercer J R. Fat malassimilation inthree cats. Australian Veterinary Journal, Vol. 66, No. 4, April, 1989;Peachey S E, Dawson J M, Harper E J. The effects of aging on nutrientdigestibility by cats fed beef tallow, sunflower oil or olive oilenriched diets). There can be any of a number of pathologies that canlead to poor digestibility of lipids. Malabsorption and maldigestion canoccur from almost any diffuse disease of the intestine, from exocrinepancreatic insufficiency or from unknown causes. In the case of cats,pancreatitis occurs at a prevalence rate of about 0.15% to 3.5% and mayaccount for some cases of poor fat digestibility. Diffuse intestinaldiseases, such as intestinal lymphoma, small intestinal bacterialovergrowth, inflammatory bowel disease and liver disease, may also leadto reduced nutrient absorption in the small intestine.

Cases of pancreatic insufficiency are sometimes treated in veterinarypractice by the addition of raw pancreas to the diet of the animal. Thepancreas should not be heated to avoid denaturation of digestiveenzymes. This kind of procedure is not convenient for the pet owner tohave to perform on a regular basis. Commercially made enzymesupplements, for example as sold under the trade name Viokase V(believed to be a trade mark of Axcan Pharma US, Inc. of Birmingham,Ala.), are effective in improving fat digestibility in animals affectedby pancreatic insufficiency, but they are expensive when given in therequisite amounts. They are therefore unsuitable for inclusion in theregular diet of a pet.

Nicholson et al (op. Cit.) disclosed that dietary pancreatic extractsupplementation of cats presenting with poor fat digestibility almostdoubled fat digestibility, although enzyme supplementation failed toincrease fat digestibility to normal levels in all three cats tested.These findings point to pancreatic enzyme supplementation being able toachieve a partial correction.

Suzuki et al (Suzuki A, Mizumoto A. Rerknimitr R. Sarr M G, Dimagno E P.Effect of Bacterial or Porcine Lipase with Low- or High-Fat Diets onNutrient Absorption in Pancreatic-Insufficient Dogs. Gastroenterology1999; 116:431-437 The American Gastroenterological Association) studiedthe effects of bacterial lipase, porcine lipase and diets on proteinabsorption (inter alia) in pancreatic-insufficient dogs. They concludedthat high-fat and high-protein diets optimize fat absorption with bothenzymes and proposed to study the effects in humans.

International patent publication WO01/62280 discloses compositions thatinclude crosslinked lipase crystals that are highly resistant toproteolysis and acid degradation. It recognizes that fat-soluble vitamindeficiency, for example vitamin E, is but one of the commonly observedconsequences of fat malabsorption.

The prior art does not address the problem of vitamin E deficiency in adietary framework. Nor does it suggest a dietary solution for preventionof vitamin E deficiency or conditions related to it.

For purposes of this specification, the term lipid fraction should beunderstood to mean a group of compounds that are insoluble in water, thegroup embracing fats, oils, waxes, phosphatides, cerebrosides, sterol,terpenes and the like, most of these including a fatty acid in theirstructures. Lipids can function to carry or transport a nutrient from afood source to the intestine and to the site of utilization, such as ina cell of the recipient's body.

“Digestion”, as used in this specification, means the process ofbreaking down a complex food matrix into its constituent parts, forexample fats to glycerol and fatty acids. The breaking down process isprimarily by action of gastric, hepatic and pancreatic enzymes.

“Absorption” as used in this specification, means the passage of theproducts of the breaking down process across the intestinal wall intothe blood stream.

“Digestibility”, as used in this specification, means the quantity,expressed in percentage form, of a nutrient that is digested andabsorbed in relation to the total nutrient quantity ingested by theanimal.

“Assimilation”, as used in this specification, means the process ofincorporation of simple molecules, produced from food digestion andabsorbed into the body, into the complex compounds forming theconstituents of the organism.

It is thus an object of the invention to provide a nutritional productthat, when administered to a pet having sub-optimal serum levels ofvitamin E, improves the digestibility of lipid and lipid-linkedcompounds, enabling more effective absorption or assimilation of vitaminE. Another object is to provide the pet and pet owner with advantagesassociated with effective assimilation of vitamin E.

A further object is to provide a complete pet food or supplement for acomplete pet food that provides dietary means to aid a pet animal toabsorb vitamin E.

Another object of the invention is to provide a method of improvingvitamin E absorption in a pet animal, especially a senior pet.

A further object is to provide a means of improving the transportationof vitamin E into the a pet's tissues.

SUMMARY OF INVENTION

The invention provides compositions and products that include them, forimproving or maintaining absorption of vitamin E in a pet animal.

Thus, according to a first aspect of the invention, a method ofimproving or maintaining absorption of vitamin E in a pet animalincludes the step of feeding the pet an edible composition that promotesor maintains or improves its lipid absorption capacity.

In a preferred form of the invention, the composition comprises one ormore of a pancreatic function-promoter, a liver function-promoter, andan intestinal mucosa function-promoter.

In an embodiment, the pancreatic function-promoter may comprise alipase, a gut pH modifier or a pancreatic extract.

The gut pH modifier may include one or more of an acidifier, analkalanizer, a buffer, a prebiotic or a probiotic micro-organism.

The liver function-promoter is preferably selected from taurine,emulsifiers, vitamins, minerals, glutathione and glutathione promoters,and combinations thereof.

In an embodiment, the liver function-promoter is a nutrient thatincreases endogenous glutathione after ingestion.

The intestinal mucosa function promoter may include a fat transportationaid, agent or carrier. In an embodiment, the aid, agent or carrier isselected from whey protein and proteases having the capacity to promotethe formation of lipoproteins.

In a further embodiment, the intestinal mucosa function-promoterincludes an anti-inflammatory agent, lactoferrin, a prebiotic or aprobiotic micro-organism. It may include a combination of these. Theanti-inflammatory agent may be an omega-3 fatty acid.

In a preferred embodiment, the fat transportation aid, agent or carrierhas a fatty acid profile selected to improve intestinal absorption. Thefatty acid profile is preferably polyunsaturated.

In a still further embodiment, the fat transportation aid, agent orcarrier comprises whey protein.

In a preferred form of the invention, the composition is administered asa nutritionally balanced, ready-to-eat meal. The meal may be wet or dry.If dry, the meal may comprise a dried pet food kibble, or a pluralitythereof. The meal is preferably administered daily. The composition may,however, be administered as a meal supplement. The meal supplement maybe provided in the form of a treat.

According to a second aspect of the invention, a method of maintainingor improving the serum vitamin E level in a pet animal comprises thestep of feeding the pet animal an edible composition that promotes ormaintains or improves its lipid absorption capacity. In a preferred formof the invention, the composition comprises one or more of a pancreaticfunction-promoter, a liver function-promoter, and an intestinal mucosafunction-promoter.

The intestinal mucosa function promoter may include a fat transportationaid, agent or carrier.

The fat transportation aid, agent or carrier preferably has a fatty acidprofile selected to improve intestinal absorption.

In a third aspect of the invention, a composition for use in improvingor maintaining absorption of vitamin E in a pet animal includes acomponent selected from the group consisting of pancreatic functionpromoters, liver function-promoters, intestinal mucosa functionpromoters and combinations thereof, in an amount effective to promote ormaintain or improve the lipid absorption capacity of the said pet.

In an embodiment, the composition is administered as a nutritionallybalanced, ready-to-eat meal. The meal may be wet or dry.

In an embodiment of the invention, the liver function-promoter comprisesa pancreas extract. In a preferred embodiment, the extract includespancreatic lipase.

In an embodiment of the invention, the pancreas extracts comprise lipasederived from a non-pancreatic source. In an embodiment, thenon-pancreatic source is a fungus.

In an embodiment, the composition is prepared in an industrial processand packaged as a ready-to-eat meal.

In an embodiment, the lipid absorption-promoting component is providedin a container for addition to a separately packaged complete meal orfor administering apart from a meal. In an embodiment, the component isprovided in a pharmaceutically acceptable carrier.

The invention extends, in another aspect, to the use of a lipiddigestibility-enhancing component in the manufacture of a dietarycomposition or dietary supplement, for the provision of a benefitrelating to vitamin E absorption in a pet animal. The benefit may be anyone of those listed above.

According to another aspect of the invention, a method of improving theappearance of a pet comprises the step of increasing its serum vitamin Elevel by feeding the pet a diet that contains an agent selected from:

-   -   a fat emulsifier/emulsification system    -   an acidifying agent    -   a fat transportation agent (whey protein as a carrier for        lycopene), and    -   combinations thereof.

An advantage of the invention is that it produces visible improvementsin the body condition of senior pets, such as fragile senior cats.

Another advantage is that it provides an improvement of a pet'snutritional status. Through this, there are further benefits expected,such as improvement in the quality of life and extended longevity of thepet and greater satisfaction of the owner.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF ACCOMPANYING DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a graph tracking the relationship between lipid digestibilityand serum vitamin E level in pet cats.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF EMBODIMENTS

It has been found that in pet animals, the absorption of lipid is highlycorrelated with the absorption of other essential nutrients, for examplevitamin E. Hence, a pet with low lipid digestibility is susceptible todeficient or sub-optimal nutritional status, which can compromise itshealth.

This invention seeks to provide means of prevention and relief for petsthat are susceptible to develop, or that have already developed, avitamin E deficiency as well as to provide a means for increasing serumlevels of vitamin E. The invention provides a means for increasing lipidabsorption through nutrition management and thereby to increase vitaminE uptake in the gut. Such management can be carried out by the petowner, care giver or keeper. By implementing it as a regimen thatmaintains, improves, promotes or otherwise enhances vitamin Eassimilation, various health and wellness benefits can ensue. These areset out more fully below.

Thus, a nutrition management regimen for maintaining, improving,promoting or otherwise enhancing absorption of vitamin E in a petanimal, comprises a lipid absorption-promoting ingredient for feedingregularly to the pet animal in need thereof, according to predetermineddirections. The lipid absorption-promoting ingredient comprises at leastone nutrient selected from the groups comprising pancreatic functionpromoters, liver function promoters, intestinal mucosa functionpromoters and combinations thereof. It may be administered as a part ofits regular diet, such as in the medium of a nutritionally balanced petfood or as a supplement to a meal or to a treat. The meal may be a wetmeal or a dry meal, preferably for daily administration. The pet may bea cat or a dog. The invention has particular advantage for elderly orsenior pets. Generally, these are pets of age 9 years and above.

Pancreatic function promoters that may be used in this invention includenatural and artificial lipases, gut pH modifiers, pancreatic extracts,and combinations thereof.

Advantageously, where the pancreatic function promoter is lipase enzyme,it is present to be administered to the pet in an edible composition inan amount sufficient to provide the pet receiving it with from about1,000 to 80,000 IU of lipase enzyme daily. Preferably, the compositioncontains sufficient amount of the promoter to provide from about 9,000to 60,000 IU of lipase enzyme daily, when administered according to apredetermined regimen.

Where the pancreatic function promoter is a gut pH modifier, it maycomprise a system that includes one or more of an acidifier, analkalanizer, a buffer, a prebiotic or a probiotic micro-organism.Preferred gut pH modifiers are those that promote fermentation andmodify gut pH in a predictable and controllable manner. Examples ofsuitable acidifiers are citric acid and lactic acids. An example of asuitable base is sodium hydroxide. The base may also be a carbonate orbicarbonate or include combinations thereof.

In embodiments where the gut pH modifier is an acidifier, it should beprovided to be present in sufficient amount to reduce the gut pH byabout 1 point on the 14 point pH scale.

In embodiments where the gut pH modifier is an alkalanizer, it should beprovided to be present in sufficient amount to increase the gut pH byabout 1 point on the 14 point pH scale.

Where the gut pH modifier is a buffer, it should be provided to bepresent in sufficient amount to maintain gut pH below about 4 during theinitial stages of digestion.

Where the pancreatic function promoter is a pancreatic extract, theextract preferably includes pancreatic lipase. However, lipase derivedfrom a non-pancreatic source may, in addition or alternatively, be used.

In preferred embodiments of the invention, the gut pH-modifying agent isa prebiotic or a probiotic micro-organism, or a combination thereof. Theprebiotic may be obtained from any suitable natural or purified source,for example chicory, and may comprise inulin or an oligosaccharide.Should a probiotic microorganism be selected, it needs to be one that,via fermentation processes in the gut, regulates the gut pH. In general,probiotic microorganisms produce organic acids such as lactic acid andacetic acid which inhibit the growth of pathogenic bacteria such asClostridium perfringens and Helicobacter pylori. Examples of suitableprobiotic micro-organisms include yeasts such as Saccharomyces,Debaromyces, Candida, Pichia and Torulopsis, molds such as Aspergillus,Rhizopus, Mucor, and Penicillium and Torulopsis and bacteria such as thegenera Bifidobacterium, Bacteroides, Fusobacterium, Melissococcus,Propionibacterium, Enterococcus, Lactococcus, Staphylococcus,Peptostrepococcus, Bacillus, Pediococcus, Micrococcus, Leuconostoc,Weissella, Aerococcus, Oenococcus and Lactobacillus. Specific examplesof suitable probiotic microorganisms are: Saccharomyces cereviseae,Bacillus coagulans, Bacillus licheniformis, Bacillus subtilis,Bifidobacterium bifidum, Bifidobacterium infantis, Bifidobacteriumlongum, Enterococcus faecium, Enterococcus faecalis, Lactobacillusacidophilus, Lactobacillus alimentarius, Lactobacillus casei subsp.casei, Lactobacillus casei Shirota, Lactobacillus curvatus,Lactobacillus delbruckii subsp. lactis, Lactobacillus farciminus,Lactobacillus gasseri, Lactobacillus helveticus, Lactobacillusjohnsonii, Lactobacillus reuteri, Lactobacillus rhamnosus (LactobacillusGG), Lactobacillus sake, Lactococcus lactis, Micrococcus varians,Pediococcus acidilactici, Pediococcus pentosaceus, Pediococcusacidilactici, Pediococcus halophilus, Streptococcus faecalis,Streptococcus thermophilus, Staphylococcus camosus, and Staphylococcusxylosus. The probiotic microorganisms may be in powdered, dried form;especially in spore form for microorganisms which form spores. Further,if desired, the probiotic microorganism may be encapsulated to furtherincrease the probability of survival; for example in a sugar matrix, fatmatrix or polysaccharide matrix. Alternatively, the microorganism may beprovided as a separately contained supplement to the main foodcomposition.

In an embodiment of the invention, a combination of any of the above twoor more pancreatic function promoters may be used.

Liver function promoters suitable for use in this invention may beselected from edible emulsifiers, taurine, glutathione or glutathionepromoters, minerals and vitamins. The taurine used may be natural orfrom a purified source or may be a mixture of both. In embodiments ofthe invention where the composition of the invention is made availablein the form of a dry pet food, taurine is included at up to about 0.5%by weight on a dry matter (DM) basis. In preferred embodiments, thetaurine concentration is in the range from about 0.1% to about 0.4% byweight on a DM basis. In the case of a wet (canned) pet food, thetaurine concentration may be up to 1% by weight on a dry matter basis,but is preferably no more than about 0.8% on a DM basis, by weight. In apreferred embodiment, the taurine concentration is from about 0.2% to0.8% by weight.

Non-limiting examples of glutathione promoters are selenium and vitaminE. In preferred embodiments, selenium is present at about from 2 to 3times the Association of American Feed Control Officials (AAFCO)minimum. For example, there may be about 0.3 mg selenium per kilogram ofdiet on a DM basis. Vitamin E levels may be up to about 20 times theAAFCO minimum, for example currently up to about 600 IU on a DM basis.These agents may be obtained from natural or purified sources and maycomprise combinations of both.

In an embodiment, the liver function promoter is a nutrient that iscapable of increasing endogenous glutathione after ingestion.

The liver function promoter may also be an edible emulsifier. Apreferred example is lecithin, which may be obtained from a source suchas soya, sunflower oil, wheat germ, egg, avocado and combinationsthereof. In preferred embodiments, the composition includes up to about1% by weight of lecithin on a DM basis when administered in pet foodform, or provides up to about 1% of lecithin in the diet, whendetermined on a DM basis.

Where the liver function promoter is a vitamin, it may for example beobtained from a natural source, for example yeast, or a purified source,or combinations thereof. In preferred embodiments, the composition ofthe invention comprises a selected vitamin in sufficient amount toexceed the minimum level set from time to time by AAFCO by about 2 to 5times (in other words about 200-500% of the MFCO minimum).

Similarly, minerals used for promoting liver function are obtainablefrom natural or purified sources and combinations thereof. In preferredembodiments, the composition of the invention comprises a selectedmineral in sufficient amount to exceed the minimum level set from timeto time by the Association of American Feed Control Officials (AAFCO) byabout 3 to 5 times (in other words about 300% to 500% of the AAFCOminimum).

Advantageously, the liver function promoter is present to beadministered to the pet in an edible composition in an efficaciousamount when administered according to a predetermined regimen, in orderto obtain at least one of the benefits set out below.

The intestinal mucosa function promoter of the invention may, in anembodiment, include a fat transportation aid agent or carrier, such aswhey protein or a protease to help the formation of lipoproteins. Anexample of a suitable protease is papain. The diet or dietarycomposition may preferably comprise from about 0.1% to 1% by weight ofpapain on a DM basis. Should whey protein be included as a lipoproteinformation promoter, it is preferably present in concentrations fromabout 2% to 10%, preferably about 5% to 7%, by weight of the diet on aDM basis.

The intestinal mucosa function promoter may, however, alternatively orin addition, include an anti-inflammatory agent. Suitable examples ofthese are the omega-3 fatty acids, lactoferrin, prebiotics, probioticmicro-organisms or fatty acids that have a profile specially selected toimprove absorption. By way of example, a fatty acid group with asuitable absorption-enhancing profile is the polyunsaturates. Inpreferred embodiments, these are included in the diet at about 2% to25%, preferably about 7% to 19%, by weight of the diet on a DM basis.Preferably, they are derived from fish oils.

Advantageously, the intestinal mucosa function promoter is present to beadministered to the pet in an edible composition in an efficaciousamount when administered according to a predetermined regimen in orderto obtain at least one of the benefits set out below.

Where the intestinal mucosa function promoter comprises an omega 3 oil,it is preferably included in the diet from about 1% to 20%, preferablyabout 3% to 16% by weight on a DM basis. Where the diet or compositioncomprises lactoferrin, it is preferably included from about 100 mg to200 mg per day. In the case of chicory, in preferred embodiments, itcomprises from about 0.5% to 2% by weight of the diet or dietarycomposition on a dry matter basis. Prebiotics, for example inulin and/oroligosaccharides, should preferably make up from about 0.1% to 1% byweight of the diet on a DM basis. Probiotics, when included, arepreferably at a numerical concentration of at least about 10⁵ CFU in thediet.

The benefits that the feeding of the composition according to the methodof the invention may achieve in a pet, may be related to gut function,outward appearance, aging, or to more general health aspects. Benefitsrelating to gut function include

-   -   Increased nutrient and energy digestibility,    -   Improved gut microflora as may be manifest in decreased small        intestine bacterial overgrowth (“SIBO”),    -   Improved fecal consistency and less offensive odor,    -   Optimal fecal volume,    -   Reduced flatulence,    -   Improved gut detoxification, and    -   Improved regularity of food transit time.

Appearance related benefits may include

-   -   Improved body condition and muscle tone,    -   Improved skin and coat condition, brought about by improving the        bioavailability of required nutrients, such as fatty acids and        vitamins, and    -   Improving the overall appearance of senior pets by making them        look younger.

Aging related benefits may include:

-   -   A delayed onset of signs of aging,    -   Reduction or amelioration of the effects of aging,    -   Restoration of functionality of the digestive system in the aged        pets, and    -   Increased longevity.

The signs of aging may, for example, be appearance-related, such asgreying of the coat, or activity-related, such as lower levels ofactivity. The effects of aging may be related to movement, such asapparent joint stiffness, or digestion-related, or reduction of sensorycapacity and the like.

Owner-interaction benefits may include

-   -   Improved physical activity,    -   Increased level of playfulness,    -   Improved alertness, mental performance and cognitive ability,        and    -   Improved pet-owner interaction and bonding through increased        activity and playfulness of the pet.

More general health benefits that are provided by the invention include

-   -   Improved water turnover,    -   Improved nutritional and overall health status,    -   Improved antioxidant status by increasing vitamin E absorption,    -   Improved nitrogen balance,    -   Improved absorption of all lipid-soluble nutrients, for example        fatty acids, vitamins A, D, E and K,    -   Reduced renal overload by reduction of proteolysis, and    -   Improved functions associated directly or indirectly with        improved absorption of fat or antioxidants.

The invention thus also provides a method of reducing the effects ofvitamin E deficiency in a pet. The steps of this method may includeadministering to the pet a diet comprising an effective amount of aningredient that maintains, promotes or enhances the capacity of the petto digest lipid efficiently. The ingredient may be selected from thosenamed above and belonging to the general categories of pancreaticfunction promoters, liver function-promoters and intestinal mucosafunction-promoters.

By improving the capacity of a pet animal to absorb a lipid or lipidfraction that is a carrier of an essential nutrient, the capacity of theanimal to absorb the vitamin E, as well as other essential nutrients, isalso improved. Such essential nutrients are typically vitamins such asvitamin A, D, or K and arachadonic acid (ARA). Through enhancedabsorption efficiency of these nutrients, for example vitamin E, theserum level thereof may be maintained and/or improved. FIG. 1illustrates the relationship that has been found to exist between fatdigestibility, expressed as a percentage (%), and serum vitamin E(μg/ml).

The digestibility enhancing ingredient or agent may be used in a methodof manufacturing a dietary composition or supplement or pharmaceuticalcomposition for providing benefits associated with optimal lipidabsorption in a pet animal, or for the prophylaxis of conditionsassociated with poor lipid absorption and low digestibility. Suchmethods are described further in the paragraphs that follow. The lipidassimilation or digestion-promoting ingredient, whether provided aloneor in an ingredient combination or in a system of synergisticingredients, may be provided for administering to a pet animal in needthereof in any of a number of different forms. For example, it may befed to the pet as part of a ready-to-eat meal or as part of a treat.Where provided as a pet food meal, the pet food of the invention may beproduced in wet or dry form, using any suitable process. Preferably, theingredients will be part of a nutritionally balanced meal. They may alsobe provided as a treat for feeding in addition to regular meals, or as adietary supplement or complement that may be administered with a meal ora snack or treat. The ingredient or ingredients may also be administeredin a pharmaceutical form, the ingredient being contained in apharmaceutically acceptable carrier. Such forms include tablets,capsules, syrups, drinks and gels and the like, in which the ingredientsare suitably storable until the occasion of use.

Where, in a non-limiting example, ingredients are provided in the formof a pet food in wet form, it may be delivered as an emulsion gel or assolid pieces in a flowable gravy or gel.

Thus, to produce a thermally gelled emulsion that will set upon cooling,a suitable meat material is comminuted to produce a meat batter.Suitable gelling agents, for example starches and gums such askappa-carrageenan, locust bean gum, guar gum, and xanthan gum may beadded to the meat batter. Usually no more than about 1% by weight of gumis needed.

Water may also be added the meat batter to provide from about 70% toabout 85% by weight of moisture. If sufficient moisture is present inthe meat material, water need not be added.

The meat batter is then heated to a temperature suitable to initiatethermal gelling of the mixture; for example a temperature of about 40°C. to about 65° C. in a mixer-cooker. Steam may be injected into themeat batter if desired. The heated meat batter may be emulsified ifdesired. The meat batter is then maintained at a temperature of about40° C. to about 65° C. until needed. After retorting and cooling to roomtemperature, the meat batter forms a thermally gelled emulsion that issubstantially solid or at least holds its form.

To produce solid food pieces in gravy or gel, solid pieces of meat orother material, or both, may be mixed with a gravy. Solid pieces ofother materials may also be used; such as rice grains, pasta or noodles,vegetable pieces, and the like.

The solid food pieces may be in the form of pieces of a thermally gelledmatrix. The pieces of the thermally gelled matrix may be produced by anysuitable procedure, for example the procedures described in any one ofU.S. Pat. Nos. 4,781,939, 5,132,137 and 5,567,466 and PCT application WO97/02760.

The thermally gelled matrix may be formed in suitable equipment such asan emulsion mill or an extruder to form pieces or chunks. If an extruderis used, the emulsion may be forced through an orifice to provide theemulsion with a desired shape; for example of oval, square orrectangular cross-section. The extrudate may then be cooked in asuitable continuous cooking system; for example a tunnel oven using hotair, steam, mixtures of hot air and steam, or microwaves as the heatingmedium. The core temperature of the extrudate is raised such that theextrudate undergoes thermal gelling. For example, the core temperaturemay be raised to at least about 80° C.; for example about 85° C. toabout 95° C. The gelled extrudate may then be cut into pieces and thepieces cooled to provide pieces of a thermally gelled matrix. The piecesmay be subjected to flaking if desired. Cooling may be carried out byspraying water on the pieces. Alternatively, other cooling media may beused.

If a gravy is used with the solid food pieces, it may be produced fromwater, one or more starch or gums, and suitable flavoring agents. Thegravy preferably comprises about 20% to about 80% by weight of themixture of solid pieces and gravy. Suitable gums are kappa-carrageenan,locust bean gum, guar gum and xanthan gum.

If a gel is used with the solid food pieces, it may be produced from asuitable gelling agent, water and suitable flavoring agents. The gelpreferably comprises about 20% to about 80% by weight of the mixture ofsolid pieces and gravy. Suitable gelling agents are proteins such asgelatin; gums such as alginates, kappa-carrageenan, locust bean gum,guar gum and xanthan gum, and the like. The gel or aspic may be preparedas is conventional.

Combinations of the processes described above may also be used. Forexample, a thermally gelled emulsion may be prepared as described above.Then solid food pieces, which may be pieces of a thermally gelledmatrix, meat pieces, vegetable pieces, combinations of these pieces, andthe like, are combined with the thermally gelled emulsion. As a furtheralternative, combinations of thermally gelled emulsions and solid foodpieces in gravy or gel, may be used. Suitable combinations are describedin WO 98/05218 and WO 98/05219; the disclosures of which areincorporated by reference.

The pet foods are then filled into cans or other containers, thecontainers sealed, and the products retorted in the normal manner.Suitable equipment is commercially available.

A suitable process for manufacturing dried pet food involves cooking afeed mixture of the various ingredients, forming the cooked mixture intopellets, drying, and then coating the pellets with flavors. The cookingand forming steps are preferably carried out using an extruder, as iswell known in the art. However, the pellets may be produced by othercooking procedures such as baking a preformed food body comprising theselected ingredients, preferably in nutritionally balanced proportions.

Whichever process is utilized, the lipid assimilation-promotingingredient may be added at a suitable stage. Whichever stage is decidedon may depend on the nature of the ingredient. It may be added to themajor ingredients prior to the cooking, heating or extrusion stages, or,in the case of heat-sensitive ingredients, may be added after the pieceshave already formed, whether they be wet or dry. The ingredient may beabsorbed into the food body, to be contained therein, or be injected, orbe coated to remain largely on the surface. It may be included in thegravy that may accompany a gelled or extruded chunk, or be provided as ameal supplement.

Generally, application of the functional ingredient in a post-kibbleformation step is carried out after the extrusion, drying and coolingprocess stages. The pet food kibbles enter a coating station, equippedfor example with a coating drum. Here one or several coating systems areapplied in liquid and/or in powder form to adjust the nutritionalprofile to physiological and legal requirements, by including or addingsuch ingredients as required vitamins, fat, minerals and trace elements,to enhance the product palatability and to improve product cosmetics.

The amount of the pet food to be consumed by the pet to obtain abeneficial effect will depend upon factors such as the size or the pet,the type of pet, activity level and the age of the pet. However, anamount of the nutritional composition to provide a daily amount of aboutfrom 10 g/kg to 25 g/kg of body weight of the pet, on a dry matterbasis, should be administered. Preferably, the amount should be in therange from about 12.5 g/kg to 20 g/kg of body weight on a DM basis inthe diet.

Accordingly, the appropriate amount of the ingredient may then beincluded in the meal or treat, according to the pet's dietaryrequirements. The ingredient may be mixed in with the base formulationand then processed, or mixed into a gravy or other carrier for includingwith or adding to the food or treat.

It is believed that by providing a pet food composition as provided forabove, making it 10 available to minders or owners of elderly pets anddrawing attention to the prospect that regular feeding of thecomposition to such pets can bring about at least a temporaryalleviation of symptoms indicative of poor lipid assimilation in theirpet, the pet minder will be encouraged to administer the pet thecomposition on a regular basis. A suitable way of drawing the attentionof the minder to the benefits of the composition is by way of notice onthe packaging of the food composition, alternatively by separateadvertising thereof.

Numerous modifications may be made to the embodiments described abovewithout departing from the scope of the invention. By way of example,and not limitation, trials of products of the invention will now bedescribed for further illustration:

EXAMPLE

A series of digestibility tests is used to scan which nutritionalinterventions among numerous possibilities may improve the fatdigestibility of cats pre-selected for their low fat digestibility (i.e.below 80%) when added to a control cat food diet.

Lipid digestibility is assessed on a group of cats using materials andmethods as follows:

-   -   All participating cats are adults and in good health and are not        pregnant.    -   Each test diet is the only source of nourishment for the cats.    -   Water is available to the cats at all times.    -   Each cat's weight is recorded prior to the initiation of the        test.    -   Each cat is fed the amount of food required to cover its        metabolizable energy requirements.    -   The cats are fed the same control diet for a feces        pre-collection period of 5 days.    -   Each cat's weight is recorded at day 6.    -   The fecal collection period is from day 6 through 15. The food        consumed during this period is recorded.    -   On day 6, the diet is fed together with red iron oxide as a        marker, at a concentration of 1.0 g/kg of meal mass for canned        diets and 2.5 g/kg of meal mass for dry diets.    -   Red marked feces are the first to be collected. Any unmarked        (normal colored) feces on day 6 and 7 prior to the first        appearance of the red marked feces are discarded. All red marked        feces are collected, as well as all unmarked feces that are        passed after the first red feces are observed.    -   Collected feces for each cat are stored frozen at −20° C.    -   On the morning of day 15, red iron oxide is again added to the        diet (as in day 6), this time to mark the end of the trial        feeding period, and the weight of each cats is recorded. Feces        continue to be collected until the reappearance of the red        marker.    -   Two samples of the diet and each individual cat's fecal samples        are freeze dried and sent for analyses of protein, fat, dry        matter, and ash.

Examples illustrating the implementation of fat absorption-improvingnutritional intervention into commercial pet food products are nowdescribed:

Example 1 Trial Using a Canned Food Diet

In this example, participating cats receive an emulsion meat diet,having a composition of about 9% fat, 2.2% ash, 8.4% protein, and 76%moisture. This is called diet A.

Another diet, called B, is based on a similar formulation, but with theinclusion of the following additional ingredients:

-   -   A pancreatic function promoter: 0.1% Acidifier (citric acid).    -   A Liver function promoter: at about 4× AAFCO minimum taurine        level for wet cat food (0.8% by weight on a dry matter basis)    -   An Intestinal mucosa function-promoter: Fish oils (3%)

A group of 20 cats with low fat digestibility (i.e. less than 80%) isfed both diets, A and B, in a crossover design of two digestibilitytests. Each diet is fed for a 15-day digestibility test, the first 5days being an adaptation period and the remaining 10 days as the fecalcollection period. The cats are found to digest a significantly higherpercentage of fat when fed diet B than when fed diet A. As a result,total energy digestibility and organic matter digestibility is improvedin diet B. Cats are found to need a lower amount of diet B to covertheir energy requirements than of diet A. Overall, cats appear tomaintain their weight better when fed diet B than when fed diet A.

Example 2 Trial Using a Dry Food Diet

This example uses a conventional dry cat food having a composition ofabout 31% protein, 15% fat, 4.5% fiber, 12% moisture and 5% ash, calleddiet C.

Another diet, called D, was based on a similar formulation but thefollowing additional ingredients were included:

-   -   A pancreatic function promoter: Taurine (0.27%)    -   A Liver function promoter: Lecithin from Soya (1%)    -   An Intestinal mucosa function promoter: Chicory (1%)

In this trial, a group of 20 cats with known low fat digestibility (i.e.less than 80%) is fed diets C and D, in a crossover design of twodigestibility tests. Each diet is fed for a 15-day digestibility test,the first 5 days being an adaptation period and the remaining 10 daysthe fecal collection period. The cats on diet D are found to digest ahigher percentage of lipid than those on diet C. Total energydigestibility and organic matter digestibility are also improved withdiet D, when compared with diet C. Reduced fecal volume and odor werenoted when cats were fed diet D instead of diet C.

It should be understood that various changes and modifications to thepresently preferred embodiments described herein will be apparent tothose skilled in the art. Such changes and modifications can be madewithout departing from the spirit and scope of the present invention andwithout diminishing its intended advantages. It is therefore intendedthat such changes and modifications be covered by the appended claims.

1-34. (canceled)
 35. A method of improving or maintaining absorption ofvitamin E in a pet animal, the method comprising the step of feeding thepet a sufficient amount of an edible composition that effects the pet'slipid absorption capacity.
 36. A method according to claim 35 whereinthe composition comprises a promoter selected from the group consistingof a pancreatic function-promoter, a liver function-promoter, and anintestinal mucosa function-promoter.
 37. A method according to claim 36wherein the pancreatic function-promoter comprises a component selectedfrom the group consisting of a lipase, a gut pH modifier and apancreatic extract.
 38. A method according to claim 37 wherein the gutpH modifier is selected from the group consisting of an acidifier, analkalanizer, a buffer, a prebiotic and a probiotic micro-organism.
 39. Amethod according to claim 36 wherein the liver function-promoter isselected from the group consisting of taurine, emulsifiers, vitamins,minerals, glutathione and glutathione promoters, and combinationsthereof.
 40. A method according to claim 36 wherein the liverfunction-promoter is a nutrient that increases endogenous glutathioneafter ingestion.
 41. A method according to claim 36 wherein theintestinal mucosa function promoter includes a component selected fromthe group consisting of a fat transportation aid, agent and carrier. 42.A method according to claim 41 wherein the component is selected fromthe group consisting of whey protein and proteases having the capacityto promote the formation of lipoproteins.
 43. A method according toclaim 41 wherein the intestinal mucosa function-promoter is selectedfrom the group consisting of an anti-inflammatory agent, lactoferrin, aprebiotic and a probiotic micro-organism.
 44. A method according toclaim 43 wherein the anti-inflammatory agent is an omega-3 fatty acid.45. A method according to claim 41 wherein the component has a fattyacid profile selected to improve intestinal absorption.
 46. A methodaccording to claim 45 wherein the fatty acid profile is of a mediumchain triglyceride.
 47. A method according to claim 45 wherein thecomponent comprises whey protein.
 48. A method according to claim 35wherein the composition is administered as a nutritionally balanced,ready-to-eat meal.
 49. A method according to claim 48 wherein the mealcomprises a dried pet food kibble.
 50. A method according to claim 35wherein the composition is administered as a meal supplement.
 51. Amethod according to claim 50 wherein the meal supplement is in the formof a treat.
 52. A method of maintaining or improving the serum vitamin Elevel in a pet animal comprising the step of feeding the pet animal aneffective amount of an edible composition that maintains or improves thepet's lipid absorption capacity.
 53. A method according to claim 52wherein the composition comprises at least one promoter selected fromthe group consisting of a pancreatic function-promoter, a liverfunction-promoter, and an intestinal mucosa function-promoter.
 54. Amethod according to claim 53 wherein the pancreatic function-promotercomprises a component selected from the group consisting of lipase, agut pH modifier and a pancreatic extract.
 55. A method according toclaim 53 wherein the liver function-promoter is selected from the groupconsisting of taurine, emulsifiers, vitamins, minerals, glutathione andglutathione promoters, and combinations thereof.
 56. A method accordingto claim 53 wherein the intestinal mucosa function promoter includes acomponent selected from the group consisting of a fat transportationaid, agent and carrier.
 57. A method according to claim 53 wherein thecomponent has a fatty acid profile selected to improve intestinalabsorption.
 58. A method according to claim 52 wherein the compositionis administered as a nutritionally balanced, ready-to-eat meal.
 59. Amethod according to claim 58 wherein the meal comprises a dried pet foodkibble.
 60. A method according to claim 58 wherein the meal isadministered daily.
 61. A composition comprising a component selectedfrom the group consisting of pancreatic function promoters, liverfunction-promoters, intestinal mucosa function promoters andcombinations thereof, in an amount effective to promote or maintain orimprove the lipid absorption capacity of the said pet.
 62. Thecomposition of claim 61 wherein the composition is a nutritionallybalanced, ready-to-eat pet meal.
 63. The composition of claim 62 whereinthe meal is a wet pet food.
 64. The composition of claim 62 wherein themeal is a dry pet food.
 65. The composition of claim 61 wherein theliver function promoter is lecithin.
 66. The composition of claim 65wherein the lecithin is obtained from a source selected from the groupconsisting of soya, sunflower oil, wheat germ, egg, avocado andcombinations thereof.
 67. A method of improving the appearance of a petcomprising the step of increasing a pet's serum vitamin E level byfeeding the pet a diet that contains an agent selected from the groupconsisting of a fat emulsifier or fat emulsification system, a fattransportation agent, an acidifying agent and combinations thereof. 68.A method according to claim 67 wherein the fat transportation agentcomprises whey protein.